Tailgate

Fall used to bring negative thoughts of a new school year, homework, and cold weather. Now, I anticipate the changing colors, sweatshirt weather, and football games. With colder weather comes warmer meals, often in the forms of soups, stews, and calorie-heavy dishes. However, there is always a way to make these meals lighter without losing the taste. Just because the weather is cooler doesn't mean you have to hide extra weight under baggy clothes! Here are some suggestions from Fitness Magazine:

MEAT
Pig pickin', barbecue, bar-b-que, cookout...whatever you call it, there are healthy ways to make it work. Grill up some low-fat chicken strips or turkey burgers for less artery-clogging fat. Or spice up lean lamb or chicken kabobs with chili pepper, marinades, or no-calorie mustard.

SIDES
Skip mayo for traditional pasta salads and use salad dressing, balsamic vinegar, mustard, or fat-free sour cream. Make vegetarian quesadillas with mozzarella or Monterrey jack cheese. The energy from the veggies will keep you awake for the 4-hour football fest!

DRINKS
Tea and water are the best options for beverages, but sometimes nothing makes a football game like an cold brew. Keep beer light and use low-cal, sugar-free mixes with liquor, including pomegranate juice (with multiple health benefits), whole fruit, and diet tonic.

Play ball!